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Finding Serenity in Thailand at Kamalaya Koh Samui

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Sometimes, we just need a break from life. And what better place to do exactly that than the southern islands of Thailand? I found serenity in idyllic Koh Samui. I chose to stay at Kamalaya to rejuvenate my mind, body and spirit.

I was welcomed by my own personal chauffer upon arrival at the charming native hut-inspired KohSamui airport. We drove 45 minutes to the northern part of the island. Tucked away in the mountains is Kamalaya, an award winning luxury spa resort that was once a hideaway for no less than the Duchess of York.

The sanctuary offers a holistic wellness experience that integrates healing therapies from East and West, a breathtakingly beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine and customized wellness programs and retreats. Kamalaya’s vibe is serene, beautifully rustic and lavish at the same time.

I was warmly greeted by the General Manager and the reception team with their refreshing signature elixir. They prepared their best villa, a 2 bedroom, ocean view villa with its own pool for Lois and I. So they were really sad to hear that Lois couldn't fly out to Thailand. I would have loved to share this experience with my Sole Sister! I was glad to see that the schedule of activities was filled every hour from sunset meditation, yoga classes, aquaerobics, talk with healers, musical events and after dinner socials seven days a week.

Seeing the map of the eight hectare property made me realize this wasn’t just another tourist resort, but a complete haven for tired bodies and souls. Kamalaya, which was conceived and founded by John and Karina Stewart, was originally intended for a site in the Himalaya. However, when John visited KohSamui in 2000, he discovered a piece of land that immediately captivated him with its special energy. He was especially drawn by a cave that once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat by Buddhist monks, and with this discovery he knew that he had found the ideal home for Kamalaya.

On my first afternoon, I hurried to the Spa Pavilion where I had an appointment with a resident naturopath from Australia. A nurse had me lay down and relax for some tests that would determine a few things going on inside my body. She said that I was generally healthy with no signs of any major illness. However according to the tests, my diet needs more omega 3 acids which is found in fish plus healthy oils found in nuts. She also said that I needed more sodium in my diet.

I chose the Relax and Renew 3 day retreat, and my spa prescription read:

I was in spa bliss!The next few days that followed was nothing short of heaven! In between heavenly massages, I was treated to scrumptious meals at the restaurant all day.

The breakfast buffet had everything from all the grains and nuts that I badly needed in my diet, fresh raw honey, gluten free breads, fruits and healthy blended smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. I couldn’t decide whether the highlight of my trip was the spa treatments or the delicious nourishing food at the Soma restaurant.

I also had the privilege to join the Thai cooking class and learned to make a mouth-watering three course meal: Papaya Salad, Tom Yam Gung and Green Curry Chicken. I will be sharing the recipes in a separate blog so do watch for it!

Some of the guests come here to do absolutely nothing and leave completely refreshed. While some choose to complete a wellness program such as detox, weight loss, stress & burnout, optimal fitness, yoga, sleep enhancement, or the relax and renew program like I did. I was glad to find myself quite busy rushing from one appointment to the other, and satisfied my appetite without feeling guilty at all.

Never have I been pampered like this before! If you are due for a much needed break, a vacation from your vacation, or just want to feel how it is to be queen for a few days, book a retreat with Kamalaya Koh Samui.

-Cheapest way: Fly from Manila to Bangkok (Roundtrip ticket about $300) From Bangkok, take a Lomprayah fastboat to Koh Samui (about THB 1,400 one way)

Namaste and special thanks to all the staff at Kamalaya Koh Samui! Dreaming of the day I can come back to your sanctuary.

Pampered in Paradise,

Sole Sis Adi

Adi escaped from the corporate life and her life now happily revolves around yoga, surfing and traveling. Her goal is to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and inspire those around her to do the same. She shares her AntiGravity and yoga practice everywhere she goes and dreams of building Secret Spot hostels in beautiful tropical destinations. Her goal is to speak Spanish and Indonesian by the end of the year! Follow Adi's adventures on wahineyoginitravels.blogspot.com

We Are Sole Sisters is a personal blog to inspire you to be mindful, share stories and reinvent your life every day. I believe in the power of words to transport us to worlds deep within ourselves.Know More